The longtime director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders has died at 73, the organization said Wednesday.
Suzanne Mitchell, who shepherded the iconic cheerleading squad amid rising popularity from 1976 to 1989, died Tuesday, according to a Cowboys news release.
Mitchell embraced Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle following his talk at a 5K benefiting pancreatic cancer research in 2014. After being diagnosed with the disease and undergoing successful surgery, Mitchell campaigned to raise awareness.
Ben Torres/Special Contributor
Mitchell started her career as an assistant to club president and general manager Tex Schramm. Before long, she took over as the cheerleaders’ director, and under her leadership, the group became one of the most highly regarded squads – and certainly the most familiar – in not only the National Football League, but all of professional sports.
The squad has been the subject of made-for-TV movies and the selection process is chronicled in a reality TV series, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team on CMT.
Mitchell said that when choosing women to join the iconic squad, she looked for personality and character as well as wholesome beauty and dance skills. She worked to achieve a diversity of size, looks and grace to “represent a cross-section of American women,” she said in 1985.
Mitchell (right), who directed the squad through the peak of its popularity, playfully clutches Suzy Roberts, one of her former cheerleaders, at a 2002 reunion celebrating the team’s 30th anniversary at Texas Stadium.
File photo
Charlotte Anderson, the Cowboys’ executive vice president and chief brand officer, called Mitchell “a pioneer in the world of professional sports” and said her creativity and innovation forged a path of style and quality that other NFL squads tried to emulate.
“Her impact on our home games remains to this day, and her inspiration will always have a presence within our organization,” Anderson said.
Mitchell, born in Fort Worth, is survived by her brother, W.W. Mitchell and his wife Beverly; nephews Todd, Adam and Jake; and niece Katherine Mitchell Richardson.
NFL.com has posted a gallery of high resolution cheerleader photos from week 3 of the regular season. Click here to view the page.
SI.com has uploaded a gallery of NFL cheerleaders from week 3. Click here to view the gallery.
After 40-year wait, fans give 28 dancers a thumbs-up for first game.
They bounded onto the field with the energy and athleticism of many of the players who’d soon follow them.
The Detroit Lions Cheerleaders strutted, kicked, twirled, arched, jumped and danced Sunday afternoon during the Lions’ home opener against the Tennessee Titans — a home opener of their own more than 40 years in the making.
Clad in blue abs-baring shirts, short white shorts and white shoes, waving shiny blue pom poms, the 28 women did what the team calls long-form performances after the first and third quarters.
Their routine in the west end zone after the first quarter was set to Detroit native Aretha Franklin’s classic “Respect.” The one after the third quarter was choreographed to “Paradise City” by Guns N’ Roses.
The Detroit Lions cheerleaders perform during the home opener game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at Ford Field in Detroit. Rashaun Rucker, DFP
Both performances were heavily dance-inspired, as is the norm in the NFL, as opposed to the gymnastics-inspired stunts style popular on the high school and college levels. During each, though, one cheerleader put down her pom poms for some quick gymnastics moves.
They also did a short pregame dance, stood at attention — with one leg cocked each — during the singing of the national anthem. While the game was played, they divided into four groups and hung out in of the four corners of the field — in formation, but breaking out into enthusiastic jumps and moves when the Lions did something great. During breaks, they also did mini-dance routines.
Cheerleading coach Rebeca Smoker was pleased with how the debut went. She said she’d give them a 9 or a 10 out of 10, adding that they’d done “an amazing job.”
“We’re there to connect the fans to our players and add as much spirit as we can and keep everybody involved to help support them,” she said. “And it’s certainly sad about a loss, but we have faith in them. They’re a good team.”
The cheerleaders cheered their own performance.
Briana, a former high school and college cheerleader who works as a recruiter but whose last name was not made public, said she was crying during the cheerleaders’ first performance.
“The fans’ reaction was amazing and they made us all feel comfortable, so that’s what eased our nerves,” she said. “We didn’t know what to expect, but honestly the outcome was very, very amazing.”
Agreed Nicole, who’s new to cheerleading, but has danced since age 4: “The crowd was amazing. They were super supportive. They were cheering us on the whole time. It was incredible.”
The last time the Lions had cheerleaders was during the 1974-75 season, when they played at the Pontiac Silverdome, according to team spokesman Ben Manges. Fan demand is what inspired their return.
“It adds a vivacity; it’s exciting,” said Monica Chown of Metamora, located in Lapeer County.
The 43-year-old physical therapist thought they should be called the Lionesses, though.
Her husband, Rick Chown, 50, a banker, remembers the Lions cheerleaders from four decades ago.
“These are better,” he said. “They look like they’re great dancers.”
He doesn’t think the addition of the cheerleaders in 2016 will translate into more filled seats at games.
“They’re not going to have an impact on ticket sales,” he added. “It’s the product on the field.”
And the cheerleaders are not the product.
Jeannette Anderson, who drove eight hours from Marquette to attend the game, said feminism is about having the right to choose what a woman wants to do.
“I love it, because it brings more women (to games),” said the 33-year-old gas station attendant. “Who doesn’t want to see pretty women dance? They want to do it. We’re supposed to do what we want to do.”
During halftime, one of the two teams playing, the Eastside Eagles, had cheerleaders.
Zoe Carrie, herself a former high school cheerleader, wasn’t wowed by the pros.
“They’re good. They’re something different. They look nervous to me,” said the 20-year-old Northern Illinois University student. “They were out of sync to begin with. I want to see more tumbling. It gives more depth to the performance. It’s more skill.”
Chosen from an open audition of more than 300 this spring, the cheerleaders have trained as much as 12 hours a week under Smoker, herself a former professional cheerleader. Most have dance or cheerleading backgrounds; they have day jobs ranging from a Blue Cross Blue Shield account manager to a Beyonce backup dancer.
Northern beaches dancer Courtney Watts finally flies to start LA Clippers dance job after landing role on holiday
Courtney Watts, 27, from Dee Why, will begin work for the Los Angeles Clippers Spirit Dance Team and has already been to Vegas on holiday with the girls. Picture: Instagram
A former NRL cheerleader will start her dream job this week, dancing for a top American basketball team.
Courtney Watts, 27, of Dee Why, will begin work for the Los Angeles Clippers’ Spirit Dance Team.
She was thrilled to get the job — but then had to secure a visa. She now has one, given on the basis of “extraordinary talent”. After being unable to join the first month of training, Watts said she faced a big catch-up before the season starts next month.
After being unable to join the first month of training, Watts said she faced a big catch-up before the season starts next month.“I’ve been on the outside —— I wasn’t allowed in just because of the legalities,” she said.
But it is set to be a glam life for the former Mackellar student, who has just got an apartment in West Hollywood, close to Sunset Blvd and the Hollywood Hills.
The squad has a reality TV show on channel E! and she will be involved if another series is commissioned.
Courtney Watts has bought an apartment in West Hollywood.Courtney Watts has been dancing since she was a child. Picture: Supplied.
“I’ve never thought about myself going on reality TV — when the time comes I’ll have to deal with it,” she said.
“The girls all had fun last year and they’re hoping that there is a season two.”
The only overseas dancer in the squad, Watts said her teammates were still getting used to her lingo. Pictured at Dee Why.Watts, also a former Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Kings cheerleader, has already been on a trip to Las Vegas, where everything was free.
The only overseas dancer in the squad, Watts said her teammates were still getting used to her lingo.
Courtney Watts at her LA Clippers auditionCourtney Watts, former Manly Sea Eagles cheerleader from Dee Why starts training with the Los Angeles Clippers Spirit Dance Team. Picture: Instagram
“I said something about a rig and they were like, ‘What’s a rig?’ and I said, ‘Your body!’ ” she said. “They find it hilarious.”
Watts, whose parents Jan, 56, and John, 61, live in Dee Why, began dancing at aged four at Dance North Academy in Narraweena, where she also recently taught.
LA Clippers reality show
She also worked as a personal trainer.
She said she was not earning a Hollywood wage.
“I wouldn’t say it’s well paid,” she said. “We do it for the love and not the money.”
Time: Registration Starts at 9:30am (Auditions begin promptly at 10:00am)
Location: Anthony Munoz Community Center (1240 W. Fourth St, Ontario, CA 91762)
The Ladies of Fury uphold a high standard of quality dance performance and community involvement to represent the Ontario Fury with professionalism on and off the field. During the audition process, applicants will be judged on dance ability, showmanship, physical fitness, crowd appeal, and individual applications. Final round dancers will participate in a group interview and display their own choreography highlighting strengths and specialties (music will be provided).
To ensure a professional and relaxed atmosphere for all participants, the auditions will be closed. No guests or spectators allowed.
Highlights
Perform at Ontario Fury home games at Citizens Business Bank Arena
Participate in the annual team photo shoot
Serve as ambassadors for the Fury organization as well as the Inland Empire Community
Be a role model to young dancers and children in the community through Jr. Dance Clinics and various appearances
Media exposure
Possible travel opportunities
Give back to the community through the Fury Foundation and other charity events
Invaluable friendships and memories with fellow teammates
Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old by date of audition
All dancers must have flexible schedules for rehearsals, games, and appearances starting immediately
A total commitment is required to the Ontario Fury for 1 year
Must be able to attend all Ontario Fury home games
Must be available for mandatory mini-camp on Saturday, October 8 – Sunday, October 9
Rehearsals every Sunday from 3:30pm-6:00pm
Application Procedure
All interested applicants should complete an application
A 5×7 or larger (head shot or full body shot) photo is required (photo will not be returned)
What to wear
2-piece attire (crop top w/ athletic shorts or briefs)
Skin colored nylons
Jazz, dance or athletic shoes
Hair worn down; Full hair and make-up
All tattoos must be covered up
For further information, contact Dance Team Director, Lynae de Leon at Ldeleon@ontariofury.com. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Editor’s Note: I have been covering the Ontario Fury and their predecessor organization, the Anaheim Bolts for several years now and Lynae de Leon has a knack of developing dance talent that make it onto major league dance teams in the NFL and NBA. This past season, four of her 2015-2016 Ladies of Ontario Fury dancers (Sativa-Skye, McKenzie, Lizzie and Kellie) made it to the Rams Cheerleaders, 49ers Gold Rush, Clippers Spirit and Sacramento Kings Dancers. And several others on that squad were finalists.
So if you are an aspiring professional cheerleader, you might want to hone your skills with Lynae de Leon and the Ladies of Ontario Fury.
Check out the HTC’s fun Freestyle Fridays video series.
NFL teams that hosted games during week 2 of the regular season have uploaded photos of their cheerleading squads to their team sites. Click on the links below to go to the team page galleries.
SI.com has posted a large gallery of images of cheerleaders from Week 2 of the regular season. Click here to view the gallery.
Our good friends from the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders write us that the MVC debuted new uniforms and two new dance routines at last week’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Check them out here.
And here are a couple of photos of their classic “Baby Helga” uniform.
